The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric and Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, claiming the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
The country has long been a key ally of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated dramatically since Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
